He was born to Leslie Lyle and Velma (Mathews) Thorpe on September 16, 1922 in Des Moines, Iowa. They preceded him in death.
Dale enlisted December 1, 1942 into the United States Marine Corps after High School and was honorably discharged December 29, 1945.
Dale was a hard worker for his family and was a superintendent at Caterpillar and retired in 1989 after 16 years of service. After he retired he moved to Sarasota, Florida with his wife Phyllis. He enjoyed golfing and walking the beaches with his metal detector in his free time.
He is survived by his children; Janis (Mitchell) Sussex and Blaine (Pam) Thorpe. Also surviving are his grandchildren; Chad (Jana) Sussex, Brooke (Frank) Caceres, Jennifer (Pete) Badding and Nicole (Adam) Meyer, greatgrandchildren; Nola Meyer, Maelyn Meyer, Briar Badding, Knox Badding, Harlow Badding, Caden Sussex, Cambree Sussex, and Savannah Caceres.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Phyllis and his second wife Beverly.
Dale will not only be known as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend but a United States World War II Marine Veteran.
Cremation rites have been entrusted with Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria.
A private service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association.